Kelowna Chiefs forward Brenden Stirbu put together a standout November with nine goals and 17 points in nine games, while Spokane Braves forward Luka Svircic earned an invitation to represent Croatia at the IIHF U20 World Championship Division 2 Group A tournament in January. Both rookies hail from California — Stirbu from Huntington Beach, and Svircic from San Jose.
They’re the focus of this week’s KIJHL Notebook.
KIJHL: Brenden, how do you feel about your play over the last month?
BS: The line (with Phinneas Bermel and Carter Ponte) I’ve been with is gelling — the whole team has been. I’m getting more comfortable in junior hockey, adjusting to the speed, the feel and the differences. Lately, I’ve been playing better and finding the net a bit more.
KIJHL: Why do you think things are clicking with your linemates?
BS: The type of player I am complements the players they are. I win battles and can make plays. If I find a skilled guy in the slot who can finish, that works really well with my game.
KIJHL: You’re on a seven-game goal-scoring streak. What’s driving it?
BS: Staying in front of the net. A lot of my goals have come from rebounds. I’m shooting as much as I can — when you put pucks on net, good things happen.
KIJHL: Why do you think you’re scoring the way you are this season?
BS: In the past, I wasn’t really the net-front guy. On the power play, that player usually gets the most chances. I’d never been in that spot before, but I think I’m a good fit there. That’s helped me pick up a lot of those goals.
KIJHL: How would you describe your playing style?
BS: I like to call myself a power forward and playmaker.
KIJHL: Any NHL players you model your game after?
BS: One player — Anze Kopitar, who I’ve watched play live since I was a kid.
KIJHL: Where do you feel you’re improving the most?
BS: Foot movement, speed, acceleration. It’s been better since the start. Moving my feet right when I get the puck changes my whole game — my coach, Rylan Ferster, says when I move my feet, I’m a way different player.
KIJHL: What’s helping you develop in practice?
BS: We skate a lot. I’m tired after every practice, and that’s a good thing. It’s competitive and everyone’s getting better — that’s a big part of our growth.
KIJHL: What do you like about what your coach has done to help your development?
BS: We do a lot of one-on-one video before practice. He shows me things I can do better and keeps reminding me to move my feet. It helps me — and a lot of the guys — a ton.
Spokane Braves: Luka Svircic
KIJHL: Luka, what does it mean to get this opportunity to play for Croatia?
LS: It’s the highest honour to represent my country and the sport I love. I’m super excited — it means the world to me.
KIJHL: When did they reach out, and what was your reaction?
LS: About two or three weeks ago. Honestly, I was just so happy. Words can’t describe it. It was a great moment for my family. Coach Jason Greenwell got the email and called me right away.
KIJHL: What is Croatia expecting from you at the tournament?
LS: I think they want me to be a hard worker and maybe a leader. As an ’06 on an U20 team, I want to step up, be a good teammate and lead by example. Give everything every day.
KIJHL: What are you looking forward to most, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
LS: I’m excited to play with some of the guys I grew up with back when I lived there. Reuniting with them is going to be awesome. I want the experience of being able to say I represented my country at the World Juniors. I want to keep improving too, but putting on that jersey is what I’m most excited for.
KIJHL: How would you describe your playing style?
LS: I’m a hard worker. I battle in the corners, I’m tenacious, and I try to be a great teammate. I’m a glue-guy — roll up my sleeves and go to work.
KIJHL: Where have you grown the most this season?
LS: Confidence. I’m holding onto the puck longer, trying to make more plays and trusting my instincts. That’s been a big focus.
KIJHL: Jason, what can Luka gain from this experience?
JG: Representing your country is one of the best experiences a player can have. We’re thrilled to have him represent the Spokane Braves and the KIJHL. There will be fantastic players and coaches there, and he’ll learn a lot in a short time. But the biggest thing is the lifelong memory of representing Croatia.
KIJHL: What has he brought to the Braves?
JG: Luka is a hardworking young man who gives everything he has every day. He plays a heavy game, is hard on pucks and is a great option on the penalty kill. We’re happy to have him here in Spokane.
